Syzygium australe
scrub cherry
Overview
Syzygium australe is an evergreen tree or large shrub reaching 26-50 feet (8-15 m) tall in the wild and often kept to 6-15 feet (1.8-4.5 m) as a clipped hedge. The leaves are opposite, glossy green, oval to lance-shaped, 1.2-3 inches (3-8 cm) long, with new growth flushing bronze to coppery-red. Clusters of white flowers with fluffy stamens about 0.6 inch (1.5 cm) across appear in late spring and summer. The flowers are followed by oval red to magenta fleshy berries 0.4-0.8 inch (1-2 cm) long, each holding a single seed, and the fruit is edible with a tart, crisp flesh. It grows in moist, well-drained soils and tolerates regular clipping, which is why it is used for hedging. Pimple psyllid insects can disfigure the new growth with raised bumps, and susceptibility varies between forms.
Native Range
Native to eastern Australia, in coastal rainforest and along streams from southeastern New South Wales north into Queensland. It grows in subtropical and warm-temperate rainforest and gallery forest on moist, fertile soils, from near sea level to 3,000 feet (900 m).Suggested Uses
Grown as a hedge, screen, and specimen tree at 2-15 feet (0.6-4.5 m) spacing depending on use. The red fruit is used fresh and in jams. Regular trimming as a hedge and psyllid susceptibility add to upkeep.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height26' - 50'
Width/Spread13' - 26'
Reaches mature size in approximately 10 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
glossy green with bronze new growthGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
It grows in full sun to part shade in moist, well-drained soils rich in organic matter with a pH of 5.5-7.0. Water regularly through the first two seasons; established plants tolerate short dry spells but grow and fruit more heavily with steady moisture. It tolerates light frost to about 28°F (-2°C) once established. Pimple psyllids raise bumps on new growth, and psyllid-resistant forms are available. It withstands repeated clipping and reshoots from old wood.Pruning
Trim two or three times during the growing season to keep a dense hedge, or prune once in spring to shape a specimen. The plant tolerates hard pruning and reshoots from bare wood. Frequent light trimming removes affected new growth and reduces psyllid damage.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early springsummer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 15 gallons